Patterns of persecution
Using the last decade of data, this report reveals how persecution is impacting birds of prey in the UK and makes the case for the urgent legislative change needed to better protect these iconic species.
Bird of prey persecution in the UK
Every bird of prey in the UK is protected by law and killing them is a national wildlife crime priority. Yet, the killing of these birds is relentless. Between 2015 and 2024, 918 confirmed incidents were recorded. At least 55% of these occurred on or near land managed for gamebird shooting. Many more incidents go unseen and unreported – what’s been recorded is only a fraction of what’s actually happening.
Who is responsible?
Police investigations, convictions, intelligence reports and eye-witness accounts all tell the same story. A significant proportion of these crimes are being committed by people who work on gamebird shooting estates. Of the 24 people convicted of bird of prey persecution offences in the last 10 years, two thirds were connected with the gamebird industry. More than half were working as gamekeepers when the incident took place.
The brutal reality of persecution
Shooting, trapping, poisoning, and destroying nests and eggs – these methods used to kill birds of prey today are the same ones used by gamekeepers in the 1800s. The only difference is that they’re now against the law.
The UK's most persecuted birds of prey
Persecution affects different species in different ways. For Hen Harriers, illegal killing is the main reason their population remains so low in England and Scotland. For Buzzards, Peregrine Falcons and Red Kites, the damage is more localised but no less serious - in some areas where these birds should be a common sight, they’ve vanished completely.
This report examines nine of the UK’s most targeted birds of prey, looking closely at how persecution is affecting each one.
A need for legislative change
The current law isn’t working. Birds of prey have full legal protection, and they’re still being killed. We’re calling for the introduction of an effective licensing system across the UK that would finally give these birds the protection the law promises but fails to deliver.
Add your voice and support our campaign. Together, we can push for change and create a safer future for birds of prey in the UK.